Rambert Dance Company comes with a massive reputation for innovative and extraordinary contemporary dance. This week, audiences at The Lowry Theatre were treated to a world premier at the very start of their UK wide Labyrinth of Love tour.
The production at The Lowry comprised of three stunning pieces, with a 20 minute interval between each element. However, I’m assuming from the nine descriptions of different dances in the programme, that other audiences could expect a different combination.
The first piece was Labyrinth of Love (world premiere). Inspired by seven poems by women spanning 2,000 years, and bought to life by the music of Michael Daugherty and the choreography of Marguerite Donlon. The piece was narrated by soprano Sarah Gabriel who was beautifully integrated into the performance. The combination of choreography, music (there is a live orchestration for two of the three pieces), costumes and set were hypnotic. The dancers performed on a subtly mirrored floor, in pristine white costumes with a background of flaming images, turning the theatre momentarily into a gallery as dance, music and art fused into an incredible living, breathing installation.
The second piece performed was Roses (choreographer Paul Taylor). Much more lyrical and balletic in essence, the piece is performed to the lush music of Wagner, with five couples dressed simply in long flowing black sleeveless dresses and simple grey trousers and tops. Towards the end of the piece a sixth pair is introduced, performing a solo before being absorbed into the group.
The final piece was Sub (choreographer Itzik Galili). Performed by seven men this piece is extremely rhythmic and powerful.
Although I did win a dancing competition in the mid-90’s in a backpackers club in Cairns, for me to be able to comment on the quality of the dance or choreography would be like being able to comment with authority on the quality of Monet’s brush strokes. In every sense of the word, Rambert is packed full of people right at the top of their game. This international cast of dancers picked from the best of the best come with a ridiculous CV in dancing excellence.
Whether you enjoy Rambert purely for the amazing physicality and effortlessness of the dance and sublime visual spectacle, or whether you buy into the deeper interpretation (as outlined at length in the programme), experiencing The Rambert Dance Company is something I’d urge everyone to do.
The Rambert Dance Company is appearing at The Lowry Theatre from Wednesday 10th – Friday 12th October. The company then embarks on a UK Wide tour.
For further information http://www.thelowry.com/event/rambert-dance-company1
www.rambert.org.uk